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However, [Jesus] answered them, “My Father1 has been working to the present, and I continue to work.”
| 1 | My Father: It is the use of this designation that fans the flames of the Jewish persecution. On the subject of the designation “Father” see the work Nazarene Principles 2000© in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose John 5:17 as the theme verse of chapter five – A Working Father and Son. John chapter five begins with a healing miracle at a sacred pool. [1-9] This miracle causes the response: “Who is this man?” [10-13] The Jewish religious hierarchy brings false accusations against Jesus the Nazarene. [14-18] This includes the charge that Jesus was “making himself equal to The God.” Christ answers with an affirmative, No! when he uses several examples in which the Son is not equal to the Father. [19-24] The dead will hear the voice of the Son upon their resurrection on Judgment Day. [25-30] The Nazarene states that his works are testimonial evidence regarding his sonship to God. [31-38] Jesus tells the Jews that the Scriptures also testify about him. [39-47]
Abba our Father bless those who accept the testimony of Jesus.
[3 December 2002]
The answer of Jesus to his accusers goes to the very root of the matter. The basis on which the Sabbath rested was that God had ceased his creative labors on the seventh day. Jesus shows that God’s rest was not idleness. The Father had continued his works of love and mercy. He worked in these works right on till Jesus came; “now,” says the Son, “I work as my Father works. There is no suspension on the Sabbath of works of benevolence and mercy.” The Father’s example is the pattern given to direct man.
